Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Venza

CX-5

$26,700  

Pictured: Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo in Soul Red Crystal Metallic ($595).  MSRP starting from $36,850.

VENZA

$34,620 (2023)

Pictured: Limited in Coastal Gray Metallic. MSRP as tested $45,159.

CX-5

Mazda is known for its engaging driving dynamics, sophisticated style, and high-end interiors. The Mazda CX-5, the brand's best-selling vehicle in the U.S., delivers on all those fronts. The CX-5 lineup, however, is not the most updated in terms of tech; missing features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, that are offered by many segment competitors.

Despite our wish for a multimedia update, it's certainly not hard to see the CX-5's appeal. Its contemporary style, near luxury interior and sporty driving signature are all attractive propositions.

Mazda's unique Soul Crystal Red Metallic paint is one of the most gorgeous reds you can find on a vehicle today.

If you're looking for a Mazda SUV with slightly more ground clearance and towing capability you'll want to check out the CX-50.

Considering a used CX-5? Here's our full review of the 2022 CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD.

VENZA

The two-row Toyota Venza returned to the market in 2021. For 2023, it  continues to impress with its design, upscale interior, and comfortable ride and drive. In fact, it has some of our favorite Toyota seats in terms of comfort.

The Venza also delivers terrific fuel economy thanks to its hybrid-only powertrain that also produces nice acceleration.  However, if you're looking to tow it might not be a great fit.  Despite being equipped with standard electronic all-wheel drive,  the Venza is not rated for towing.

Overall,  thanks to its excellent ride and drive, technology, and fuel economy, the Venza is an ideal two-row candidate in the segment.  

Want more details? Here's our full review of the 2023 Toyota Venza Limited.

CX-5

For 2023, the CX-5 is available in eight different packages. All 2023 CX-5 models will retain standard i-Activ all-wheel drive in the U.S.

The Rhodium White exterior premium paint color is new for 2023.

For 2024, Mazda will offer a new Carbon Turbo trim for CX-5 models equipped with the 2.5 Turbo engine. It's a unique style package with Zircon Sand paint on the exterior and a brown Terracotta leather interior.

VENZA

For 2023, Toyota introduces the Venza Nightshade Edition.

Also new for 2023, all Venza models have the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system, upgraded USB ports with one USB Type-A and two USB Type-C ports as well as an updated fourth-generation Qi wireless charger.

Also new for 2023, the Limited adds a standard eight-way power passenger seat, standard rain-sensing wipers and standard 10-inch Head Up Display.

For 2023, XLE receives an upgraded standard 12.3-inch touchscreen.

CX-5

• Best-in-class near-luxury interior 
• Performance will appeal to driving enthusiasts
• Available turbo engine makes it more powerful
• Roomier with more passenger and cargo space
• Offers towing capability

VENZA

• Hybrid-only lineup makes it the leader fuel economy 
• Enjoyable overall ride and drive
• Great, user-friendly technology
• Optional Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof

CX-5

• Standard gas engine isn't as powerful
• Mazda technology could use an update
• Not as fuel efficient

VENZA

• Not rated for towing
• Not as roomy overall
• Isn't geared towards driving enthusiasts

CX-5

VENZA

39 mpg  

40 mpg  

37 mpg  

CX-5

VENZA

• 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen is standard with HD radio, Bluetooth, Pandora along with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.   
  
• 7-inch LCD Display 
• Bose® 10-speaker audio sound system 
• Rear View Monitor
• Mazda Connected Services (complimentary for three years.  After trial period annual subscription fees apply.)

• 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth and HD Radio.
• Available 9-speaker JBL sound system
• Optional Panoramic View Camera
• Drive Connect subscription

• Turbo models features standard wireless charging
• Four USB ports
• 12-volt power outlets

• Wireless charging is standard across the lineup.
• Four USB ports
• 12-volt power outlets

CX-5

VENZA

• 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen is standard with HD radio, Bluetooth, Pandora along with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.   
  
• 7-inch LCD Display 
• Bose® 10-speaker audio sound system 
• Rear View Monitor
• Mazda Connected Services (complimentary for three years.  After trial period annual subscription fees apply.)

• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) which includes: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD),  Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA),  Lane Tracing Assist (LTA),  Automatic High Beams (AHB), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), ^* and Road Sign Assist (RSA) 
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)  with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) 
• OPTIONAL: Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking  

• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic
• Lane Keep Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Day and Night-time Pedestrian Detection
• Mazda Radar Stop and Go Cruise Control
  
• Range-topping Signature trim adds 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, reverse brake support, Driver Attention Alert and Traffic Jam Assist.  

• 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts
• Front seatbelts with seatbelt pretensioners with force limitersFront seatbelts with seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters
• Adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors
• Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) includes lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats
• Child-protector rear door locks
• Star Safety System— includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)  and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) 
• Front and rear side-impact door beams

CX-5

VENZA

186.6"

73"

65.4" - 66.3"

65.9"

219-horsepower

Engine: 163 lb.-ft.

Electric Motor: 149 lb.-ft. Rear: 89 lb-ft 

14.5

3,847 (LE)

3,891 (XLE, Nightshade)

3,913 (Limited)

Not rated